My mother, Joyce Hetrick, was the heart of our family and the neighborhood. She was a stay-at-home mom who treated everyone like her own children, always ready to help anyone in need. Joyce was known for her generosity and kindness, and she would do anything to support her kids and grandkids. Her home was a place of comfort for many, and she made sure everyone felt welcome and cared for.

This year has been especially hard for our family. We lost my father in December, and since then, my mother faced financial challenges due to delays with veterans' benefits. I moved in to help her cover bills, but not long after, she became seriously ill. After weeks of hospital visits, she was diagnosed with Stage 3 stomach cancer in August, which quickly spread to her bones. Joyce spent her final days in the hospital on hospice care, surrounded by loved ones, and passed away peacefully in her sleep.

Joyce recently got a life insurance policy in July, but the company is contesting the policy and there is a possibility it could be denied. Because of this, the cost of all arrangements now falls on our family. My sisters Nikki and Holly and I are trying to raise funds for her cremation. We have a very short deadline to arrange this, and any additional support will help us with other funeral expenses and possibly repair the family home that Joyce always wanted to fix up. Your help will allow us to honor her memory and give her the farewell she deserves.